Last week, in EFL League One, moments of drama, routine, and plenty of goals as the division had its sixth gameweek.
Now, with a new game-week upon us, the opportunity for change is present.
Ahead of this week’s fixtures, three of our writers predicted three games from the division. Let’s see what they said.
League One Predictions
Owen’s Prediction
It’s a Yorkshire derby in League One as Bradford City visit the Eco-Power Stadium to face Doncaster Rovers.
Both Sides have been rich in form, sitting third and fifth respectively and both unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions.
I see it being a very competitive and hard-fought game, but I think the home side will just nick it late on.
Owen’s Prediction: Doncaster Rovers 1-0 Bradford City
Jamie’s Prediction
Basement battlers Port Vale host Leyton Orient at Vale Park this weekend, with Vale seriously struggling for some early form while Orient have seen a mixed bag of results so far.
The hosts have just two points on the board from a possible 18 – goalless draws at home to Cardiff and away at Burton have been their only times avoiding defeat in the league, while a 2nd Round Carabao Cup win at Birmingham City created some much needed positivity around the club – leading to them getting a home tie against Premier League giants Arsenal in Round 3.
Despite losing start striker Laurent Tojal to Plymouth in the latter stages of the window, Vale boss Darren Moore has said this week that his side ‘can cope with League One’ despite their tough start. The arrival of Devante Cole from West Brom on a 3-year-deal would’ve been a welcome sight for The Valiants, who’s vast experience and goalscoring qualities could prove vastly important for the early strugglers.
Orient on the other hand sit in 16th after a varied start of two wins, one draw and three defeats after six games.
A 3-0 defeat at Huddersfield on the opening day would’ve been a sobering experience after the heights of the play-offs, but a win at home to Wigan and a victory at Plymouth have seen them avoid the early trouble that some of the other high finishers from last season have had.
Despite coming off the back of back-to-back defeats in the league, a 3-1 win at Peterborough in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday gave them a welcome break. Another positive for The O’s was the arrival of Dan Ballard on a permanent transfer from Southampton – seemingly replacing the big gap left by Charlie Kelman after the end of his loan in the 24/25 season.
Richie Wellens has admitted new number one Tommy Sinkman can be better than last seasons starting goalkeeper Josh Keeley, but he’ll be needed at his best after conceding 5 goals in the last two league games.
It’ll certainly be an intriguing battle at Vale Park between two sides who are struggling to find some consistent form, but it’s hard to look past the hosts struggles. Vale have scored just two league goals this season coupled with Orient looking to bounce back from defeats I can see the away side taking the three points back to London.
Jamie’s Prediction: Port Vale 0-2 Leyton Orient
Joe’s Prediction
Bolton take on AFC Wimbledon on Saturday in a game that sees two teams who have made a similar start to the season meet. The main difference, however, is how content each side will be feeling after their first few fixtures.
League One new boys AFC Wimbledon sit in 12th, having picked up 9 points from their 6 games so far. The play off winners will have no complaints about that, given that survival has to be their priority this season.
They’ve enjoyed some varied form, beating some difficult sides in Barnsley and Lincoln, whilst their most recent league fixture saw them lose out to fellow promoted side Bradford City.
Their form in all competitions leaves a little to be desired, being on the wrong end of a 5-1 hammering by Stevenage midweek in the EFL Trophy.
Wanderers fans on the other hand would probably have expected more from their sides first few games.
They sit in 14th, with 7 points from 6 games. Whilst their Trotters have lost just one game, the opening day fixture away to rivals Stockport County, a run of draws has seen them firmly planted in League One’s middtable.
Despite dominating for large periods at Bloomfield Road last Saturday, Steven Schumacher’s side could only manage a fourth consecutive 1-1 draw against Blackpool.
Pressure is on now for Bolton to mount a serious push at the top end of League One. In order to do that, these are the games they should be winning, especially at home. Wimbledon have made a brave start to life in League One but their recent patchy form could give Schumacher’s side a good chance to kick off a decent run
Joe’s prediction – Bolton Wanderers 2-0 AFC Wimbledon
Thank you for reading our League One predictions.
